Karnataka HC stays notice asking doctors to pay Rs 3-5 lakh as fine

BENGALURU: In a big relief for 200 doctors, the Karnataka high court on Monday passed an interim order staying the May 20,2017 order passed by the authorities imposing fine in the range of Rs 3 to 5 lakhs on them for not serving in government hospitals and also not serving in rural areas for a period of one year. Justice G Narendar passed this order on a petition filed by Dr Divya and others.

Petitioners contended that the alleged violation of their bond conditions, an undertaking given at the time of their admission to the courses, does not warrant professional misconduct action

They have added that may of them have studied in private medical colleges without government's support and are still repaying their loans.

According to them, the Karnataka Compulsory Service Training by Candidates completed Medical Course Act, 2012 has been stayed by the high court and hence the same cannot be enforced.

“In view of stay granted by High Court, the demand for payment of fine on the allegation that the petitioners have not rendered Government Service is without any basis and amounts to contravention of stay granted by the court” the petitioners have further stated.